Luke 6:38 (CEB)

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”


Reflection

I proceed with caution when looking at today’s verse. It can easily be used as a “you give what you get” kind of idea and can read to be about giving so that we will get something in return. This simply isn’t the case. We know, maybe all too well, that people don’t give what they get, that what goes around doesn’t always come around. So what’s going on here?

When I read this text, I think about this time back in college when I went out to lunch with a friend. I was very much expecting to pay for myself. We’re all newly “adults” working pieced together part-time jobs and buying the cheapest food possible. I was shocked when she insisted on paying for us both. Her reasoning was simply that it was her idea to get lunch off campus. And you know what that did? It reshaped my attitude from “how many meals can I create from this one pizza” to wanting to pay for our next hangout, and for the hangouts I have with my other friends. Her generosity created more generosity.

When we give, say, $10, we’re a part of the abounding blessings being done in the world. It’s not that we’ll necessarily get handed $10 back, but we may be more attuned to the kindness of others all around us. The more people step up and give, the more that’s going around to anyone and everyone.

By Rachel Callender


For Pondering & Prayer

Can you think of a time in your life when someone offered you generosity and it made you want to be generous? What did you do with that feeling?

Prayer: Generous God, your gifts are boundless and we will never see each and every way you constantly bless each of us. May we respond to your gifts with giving. Amen.